The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1887-11-09
ADDRESS
TO THE DEMOCRACY OF THE PARISH
OF RAPIDES.


of Rapides Parish wish to make the
following short statement for your con-
sideration: 1t is fact well known to
almost every well-informed man in this
Parish, that neither Gov. McEnery nor
Gen. Francis T. Nichols were the
choice of the majority of the Democra-
cy of Rapides Parish. Early in the
canvass we venture to say that two
thirds, if not four-fifths, Of our party,
favored the nomination of some third
man, who could tremendously unite
the Democratic strength in the Parish,
and throughout the State. Particular
ly did the Democracy Of Rapides de-
plore any bitter factional contest in
side the party, and up to the present
time we can congratulate our people
on the fact that there is no bitterness,
no personalities, although we are diyi-
ded in our support of the only two can
didates now before the people asking
for gubernatorial nomination. This
division 10 our ranks does not arise on
the part of the well-informed, dispss-
Sionate and appropriated men because
of the unftness Of either candidate Tor
the position, or because the records OF
either were sullied by any act that
would unfit him fol the POSITION
Charges OF boiling a Democratic nom
inalion are made against Gov. Nj
cholls, political fault that is hard to
forgive and to forget. Charges Of
personal government are made against
Gov. McEnery, but it has not and can
not be sustained by the record, except
it may be said that Gov. McEnery
has at times appointed competent,
honest and efficient officials that were
his personal friends. What officer in
public station has not and will not 90
the same thing, us long as elective
government exists7 But the appoint
mcnts of Gov. McEnery in this Parish
does not sustain the charge. Our Po-
lice Jury, composed Of able and com
peten. men, appointed by Gov. Nc
Emery, with one single exception, were
opposed to Gov. McEnery's nomina-
lion, and some of them were promi-
gently so. The same can be truth
fully said Of your School Board. The
only appointee Of Gov. McEnery in
this Parish from those thav were friend
ly to his nomination was the Assessor,
and no one can say anght against him.
From what we hear, truthfully stated,
all the Parishes in Louisiana have
most exceptional local governments,
and Louisiana in that respect is better
off than it has been under any previous
administration for number of years.
Gov. Nichols appointed in this Parish
his friends and supporters when he
was Governor, and no one found fault
with him for so doing, and we expect
him TO do the same thing if he is re-
nominated and elected. To do less
all things being equal-be would
disappoint his personal political friends
and not in the least conciliate his op-
ponents orreceive thanks of the public
We support Gov. McEnery's re-
nomination for the following reasons
l. Gov. NcEnery is an able, spot
less, uucompromising and unequivoca
Democrat.
2. His administration is progressive
developing the resources of Louisiana
in its agricultural aud mineral resour
ces, in the apholilng of education
bailding our levees, and endorsements
Of the law, inviting emigration, ane
maintaining The public credit. Hi
administration is great success, ant
we hold that Louisiana Democrac,
has tue right to re-elect such an Exec
utive officer for the good and prospect
ty of the whole commonwealth TO twt
or three or more terms if desired
3. By his denomination and re-elec
ton the Democracy of Louisiana viii
teach lesson Of party discipline, tina
40 man can expect its support who
does not rigidly adhere to its part!
nominees.
Il. SPENCE SMITH, Chairman
Ben. TURNER,
Z. B. PRICE,
W. w. WHITTINGToN, JR.,
E. B. PENDLEToN,
JOHN W. PRESCOTT. y
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